RIP Mandolin Brother's Founder Stan Jay

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 22 Oct 2014 10:40 am

Stan was an enthusiastic supporter of vintage instruments and witty copywriter. The fretted instrument world is a little less interesting without him.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/news/publis ... 1669.shtml

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 22 Oct 2014 10:54 am

I only learned of his illness a few days ago. This is sad. He & his shop are a major institution. RIP.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 22 Oct 2014 3:16 pm

I'm so sad to hear that we've lost Stan Jay.

Upon emigrating to the US in the late-'90s I first lived in New York Ciry - a trip on the ferry to see Mandolin Bros for myself was high on my list of priorities and I wasn't disappointed. Stan made me feel so welcome and there was never a hint of high-pressure selling in that shop. You'd be free to try out anything you wanted for as long as you wanted.

Over the years I've bought some guitars from Stan and he was particularly helpful with regard to the Custom Shop 000-28 I ordered in 2004. It's just as I wanted it and it's still my front-rank acoustic when I need a flat-top to take to work.

I always felt like Stan Jay was a real friend but I think he made everyone feel that way. I'm going miss him.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 23 Oct 2014 5:33 pm

I always enjoyed visiting Mandolin Bros. and playing a variety of Nationals & Dobros...even the rare vintage ones you could just take off of the wall and play...I bought a 10 string Rickenbacher and a Fender Deluxe 8 some years ago.....

The first time I met Stan was in the early 80's I believe....I walked into the store and his office was right there with the door open.....he was at his desk on his typewriter.....he was typing about 1000 words a minute....it was unbelievable...

Condolences to Stan's family.....he was a great guy.....

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 23 Oct 2014 11:22 pm

I was in New York in 1997, and visited the store. What a great place. So many wonderful instruments. I loved the place.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 24 Oct 2014 4:01 am

"I went to Staten Island
to buy myself a mandolin...."
Joni Mitchell must've been singing about Mandolin Brothers.

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 24 Oct 2014 6:15 am

I haven't seen Stan since the 80's, but have pleasant memories of our dealings. He was a very knowledgeable and intelligent soul with an intensely witty sense of humor.

He will be missed.

Vinal Boyington · Post by **Vinal Boyington** » 30 Oct 2014 4:15 pm

Roger R, you're right, Stan had a way with people. Sort made you feel like old friends, very quickly.
RIP Stan Jay

Nick Reed · Post by **Nick Reed** » 1 Nov 2014 2:00 am

Larry Jamieson · Post by **Larry Jamieson** » 1 Nov 2014 4:14 am

I regret that I never got down to the city to meet Stan and see the store. Over the years I have talked with Stan on the phone many times for advice on vintage instruments people have brought into my small upstate music shop. I shipped several guitars down to Stan who sold them on consignment for me, always at a fair price, and a better price than I could get in my area. He was always friendly, helpful and honest and a good person to do business with.

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 1 Nov 2014 4:34 am

My buddy who knew Stan said that his wife made all the fancy Hawaian style shirts that he wore.

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 4 Jan 2015 1:09 pm

I never met Stan but I did go over to Staten Island and almost bought a candy-apple red MSA D-10 from Marc Horowitz...